Life in Australia and the Values Statement

If you are thinking of applying for a temporary or permanent visa to come to Australia then you will need to read Life in Australia and sign the Australian Values Statement before you come.

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) published the document, which provides information about Australian history, culture, society and values.

The DIAC is the government department responsible for managing migration. If you want to stay in Australia permanently then the DIAC will process your visa, permanent residence and citizenship applications.

Australian Values Statement

Life in Australia also provides information about the Australian Values Statement. If you are applying for a permanent visa, and/or intending to apply for citizenship then you will need to sign the statement.

The full text of the statement is below. Its purpose is to make sure that you understand the values Australian culture is based on and what will be expected of you when you are in the country.

I confirm that I have read, or had explained to me, information provided by the Australian Government on Australian society and values.

I understand:

Australian society values respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual, freedom of religion, commitment to the rule of law, parliamentary democracy, equality of men and women and a spirit of egalitarianism that embraces mutual respect, tolerance, fair play and compassion for those in need and pursuit of the public good.

Australian society values equality of opportunity for individuals, regardless of their race, religion or ethnic background.

The English language, as the national language, is an important unifying element of Australian society.

I undertake to respect these values of Australian society during my stay in Australia and to obey the laws of Australia.

I understand that, if I should seek to become an Australian citizen:

Australian citizenship is a shared identity, a common bond which unites all Australians while respecting their diversity.

Australian citizenship involves reciprocal rights and responsibilities. The responsibilities of Australian citizenship include obeying Australian laws, including those relating to voting at elections and serving on a jury.

If I meet the legal qualifications for becoming an Australian citizen and my application is approved, I understand that I would have to pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people.

For internet applications, the main visa applicant will be asked to select a button to indicate either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the values statement. If the application includes dependants who are aged 18 years or over, there is an extra paragraph in the statement which reads:

All other persons included in this application, who are aged 18 years or over, have advised me that they have read, or had explained to them, information provided by the Australian Government on Australian society and values and agree with the statement above.

Life in Australia and Our Common Bond

As well as providing a lot of useful and interesting information for people coming to Australia for the first time, Life in Australia also acts as a good introduction to the citizenship test study materials.

Much of the information provided also comes up in the study materials for the citizenship test, Our Common Bond. By taking the time to read and understand Life in Australia then you should find much of the testable materials familiar when you come to apply for citizenship.

It should then be a quick and easy process to learn the materials for the test. With the help of our Online Tests you can be sure that you are completely prepared to pass the test first time.